The uneasy baas of sheep carried on the wind. The Avalon’s struggled to find words with which to extend comfort and came up wanting. When Erro released her hand, looking down at the grass, Andromeda held on. He raised his head slowly, moving to her hand first and then her face. She met his eyes with tears shimmering in her own.

“Erro, the extent of your loss is something I can’t imagine, but the image of what may happen to you if you go after those men alone is clear and terrible behind my eyes. If you go, I will not be able to banish it, and it will haunt me mercilessly until I know you are safe. I beg you, please, let us help you. Stay with us. You have waited all these yea...